Question

Biologically active adrenaline and ephedrine used to increase blood pressure contain

• A. Primary amino group
• B. Secondary amino group
• C. Tertiary amino group
• D. Quaternary ammonium salt

Hint:

Adrenaline and ephedrine both contain a secondary amino group (-NH).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine which type of amino group is present in biologically active adrenaline and ephedrine, we must analyze the structure of these compounds.

Step 1: Understanding the chemical structure:

1. Adrenaline: The chemical structure of adrenaline contains an amine group attached to the carbon chain. The specific configuration involves a carbon (C) atom bonded to two hydrogen (H) atoms and one nitrogen (N) atom. This formation, where the nitrogen atom is connected to two hydrogen atoms and another carbon chain, is indicative of a secondary amine.
2. Ephedrine: Like adrenaline, ephedrine also has a nitrogen atom bonded with one hydrogen atom and has carbon bonds, which points to the presence of a secondary amine.

Step 2: Justification of the Correct Option:

• A primary amine consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to one alkyl (or aryl) group and two hydrogen atoms (-NH_2).
• A secondary amine consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to two alkyl (or aryl) groups and one hydrogen atom (-NH).
• A tertiary amine consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to three alkyl (or aryl) groups, with no hydrogen atoms directly bonded to the nitrogen (-N).
• A quaternary ammonium salt consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to four alkyl (or aryl) groups and carries a positive charge.

Given the structure of adrenaline and ephedrine, the nitrogen atom is bonded to one hydrogen atom and two other groups, consistent with a secondary amine.

Conclusion: The correct answer is that biologically active adrenaline and ephedrine contain a Secondary amino group.